The perks of being a wallflower

Alike many films of a similar genre, the eccentrically named 'The perks of being a wallflower' is based on a popular novel, surrounding the teen life of a troubled boy. Presenting itself much like 'another high school movie', from the exterior this film looks like a cliched mess of formulaic 'tween' bait. However the reality is quite the opposite, providing a frequently relatable and charming tale of a normal boy searching for happiness.

The story follows Charlie a thoughtful yet seemingly lost child on his path to adolescence, on his route he must overcome his irrational fear of high school as he begins his first day. He is soon accepted into a group of introverted 'seniors' led by Sam (the 'Americanised' Emma Watson) and her step-brother Patrick ( Ezra Miller), where he finally discovers friendship.

 Thoughtful in the process of character creation Stephen Chbosky performs miracles in transcribing the tentative persona's of the novel onto the big screen, in addition to this he provides the characters with a realistic depiction of the teenage voice through the largely fantastic screenplay. Usually exiting from the bizarre tongue of Emma Watson the script did become whimsically pretentious and unrealistic at times however it mostly holds its own providing a significant realistic driving force to the otherwise dull first half. This drive is aided by the undeniably compelling personality of Patrick performed by the fantastic Ezra Miller, providing the necessary outlandish flare that prevents the film from becoming borderline depressing.

Rarely do successful 'coming of age' films dawn on our screens with such passionate effect, making this a truly poignant film of its genre. Due to a crucially heartfelt narrative characters are depicted with perfection, as we follow Charlie our prominently lovable protagonist sharing his happiness as he experiences the emotions of the complexity and excitement of young life. The story proves to expand towards the end producing a darker climactic tone that is essential in tying lose ends whilst further enforcing the connection we feel to each character.  Although this may prove to be too whimsical for some, for the majority The perks of being a wallflower delivers from the sentimental start to the beautifully artistic climax, a true diamond in the rough.

85%- An affectionate view on teenage life which accurately portrays thoughts and feelings whilst preventing to fall into the cliche trap.

Calum Russell